telling others about your surgery

I told everyone, I don't give a damn about their opinions on my choice, I'm doing this for me, not anyone else.   I knew they were going to either know I did it anyways, or think I was on drugs.  My boyfriend was staunchly against the procedure, but I took him to the doctor's seminar and I put my foot down...I'm 6 weeks post op and he's still here.  People have their comments, thoughts and advice, but you do what's best for you.  Social media keeps me accountable, because I can't tell you how many people had stories about "so and so who had it done and gained all the weight back".  It drives me even harder to succeed.

I told EVERYONE!  I was very proud of my decision.  And I figured it would keep me motivated.  I have not gotten one person tell me anything negative.  And if I had, I would have ignored it anyway.  This has been MY journey!!  Good luck to you on YOUR journey!!

I told everyone.  I'm not on social media.  I don't "do" Facebook, I don't tweet, I don't instagram, so none of that was an issue.  And I wasn't looking for anyone's approval or comments.  For me, trying to maintain a lie is just too much work - mainly because I can never keep track of who I told what! 

Hi there! I chose not talk much about it except to those outside of my "circle" until after my surgery because I didn't want to have everyone telling me horror stories of "my friend's Aunt's mother friend had a complication". Once the surgery was done I was pretty much an open book about it-I don't mind sharing my journey. I have also tried to share my experience with other people who are thinking about surgery options-I share the good and bad and invite them to attend a support group so they can ask any questions they want. Like you said, there is no right or wrong answer it's what feels most comfortable to you.

I was upfront and totally honest all along. I am an honest person by nature and knew I could not tell a half truth. I spent my whole life obese and always thought if I worked out more or ate less I could lose the weight. I know now that less than 5 percent of people who lose 100 pounds keep it off. I can't stand the thought of another overweight person thinking those same lies that I did and not telling them there is a way to lose the weight and with hard work keep it off too. I have had conversations with several people who are now getting ready to have surgery too and now they too can have a chance to have a healthier life. You have to do what feels best to you.

I posted this on Facebook:

I've been going crazy wanting to share my great success with all of you, so here goes. My #1 goal for this year has been to be more kind to myself and I've been working hard on healing my mind and body. You've all read about therapy (massage and mental) and exercise, but I also started a lot of diet modification in January. I lost ~25 pounds and then, in March, I had about 85% of my stomach removed via laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Since then I've lost another ~55 pounds for a total, so far, of 82 pounds.

I've still got a ways to go, but I can say with zero hesitation that this is the best, and kindest, thing I have ever done for myself. I'm really excited to share my progress with you guys and I'd appreciate any support and encouragement you have to offer! (I'm also happy to answer any questions if you've got those.)

The response I got was mind blowing.  My friends are amazing and awesome and I've felt nothing but supported by the people in my life.  For me, disclosure was the only option.  

I am still pre up, but I'm not telling anyone except my daughters...and of course you all.  Maybe as time gets closer to surgery I will feel more like discussing with others. By nature, I am a very private person so it's very easy for me to keep this journey to myself. At least for now!?

I told everyone so they could gossip about the truth.  

I tell anyone who asks how I lost weight. I don't make a big deal, just say "I had surgery," and if they answer more questions I'll answer. Once I was shopping at Eddie Bauer and gave one of the ladies working there a mini-seminar!

Jen

I am typically a very open and transparent person. I opted to tell my family and close friends, but kept it a secret from co-workers (except for 2 close friends at work who have maintained silence). I initially figured I would tell them eventually, but as time went on, I didn't. I first kept it quiet because I didn't want to hear horror stories or all the reasons I shouldn't have the surgery. I had made up my mind after years of consideration and didn't want others getting in my head. There were even a couple of friends who said, well if you can do the liquid diet that you are doing pre-op, couldn't you just continue it.  What? Really?  People just don't understand, especially those who have never had a weight problem. I have simply responded that I am eating high protein, low carb, low fat, low sugar, and am working out with a personal trainer.  All true. I also presented it as a response to rising glucose levels that had me worried about diabetes, as my brother is on an insulin pump. Also true. 

I have had a couple of people reach out and ask me privately how I was losing weight and I replied honestly to them. These people have weight issues, so it seemed appropriate to disclose. One person told me she had the surgery years ago and still had not reached her goal (although she had lost 200 pounds) and another said she didn't think surgery was a good idea. I will likely continue to respond in this way as it seems to have worked well. Maybe some people have figured it out or speculated that I had surgery since I have lost 130 pounds in 10 months, but that is OK.  

I also didn't want the scrutiny of people watching what I was doing, eating, etc, so it seemed easier for it just to happen. I still go out to lunch with my co-workers and they have just noticed that I gave up the french fries, order protein dishes with no bread, and never finish what I order/take leftovers home.

Good luck in your journey.